Diploma - General Arts and Science - Design Studies
ObjectivesThe General Arts and Science-Design Studies program is intended for students who are interested in exploring a career in design through the preparation of a competitive portfolio. In this one-year foundations program, students develop their creative design and drawing skills allowing them to pursue more advanced studies in programs such as Graphic Design, Interior Decorating, BAA - Interior Design, Print Media, Advertising and Architectural Technician/Technology. Two-Year Diploma Program The two-year General Arts and Science diploma program begins in September (after successful completion of the certificate program) and in January. On successful completion of Year Two, students receive an Ontario College Diploma. Year Two provides a well-balanced selection of courses in the social sciences and humanities. Students who graduate from the diploma program may transfer some credits towards a university degree.
Academic titleDiploma (2 years)
Course description Level 1
DAT5758 Computer Foundations I
This course provides an introduction to the use of a current word processor, presentation software, spreadsheet, Internet browser, email and operating system.
DSN1308 Drawing I
This is an introductory course on the fundamentals of composition with emphasis on realistic rendering. Through view selection, cropping, and balance, students learn how to execute thumbnails and design exciting comprehensives. This course also introduces the student to one and two point perspective - the process of creating an illusion of depth on a flat surface through a series of technical exercises.
DSN1371 Portfolio, Layout and Design I
This fundamental course introduces the student to the principles of design and layout, the terminology, materials, equipment and the techniques used. Students learn the principles of contrast, harmony, proportion, balance, movement, perspective and unity and their relationship in the development of thumbnails to comprehensive layouts. Illustrator will be introduced to support typography and layout. Emphasis is on developing clean, simple creative solutions to field-related design problems. A professional attitude towards deadlines and the importance of craftsmanship and execution are emphasized. All pieces will be professionally finished, organized and presented.
ENL1813G Communications I
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.
SSC0041 Fundamentals of Creative Photography
This course provides an introduction to photography using digital technology. Students explore the functions, operations and formats available through camera technology. The business, design and artistic merits studied enable students to appreciate and execute photographic work demonstrating proper composition, colour and lighting techniques, image manipulation and photo presentation skills. Students are required to have access to a basic digital camera for this course. Specifications for the camera are as follows: minimum 4-5 megapixels, exposure modes-program, auto, manual, and shutter.
SSC0052 Design Dynamics
This course will introduce students to the many career options in design. Students will individually develop a career field action plan demonstrating knowledge and skills needed to pursue their goals in a design field. This course will use several activities and diagnostic tools to reveal the aptitudes and interests required for the varied careers in design.
Level 2
DSN1331 Drawing II
Building on the skills acquired in the first semester, the focus of this course is to encourage students to develop further drawing skills through the introduction of pointillism, and prolonged studies and replications of the works of famous artists. Their compositional and design skills are applied to finished drawings. Students are also introduced to acrylic painting.
DSN1340 Computer Design
This course introduces the student to the MacIntosh platform and the world of design. Basics, theory and practical applications cover various areas of hardware and software. A flatbed scanner will be used to scan all illustrations and photographs while using Adobe Photoshop to adjust and correct these images. Students are also introduced to Adobe Illustrator and learn to create vector-based images that can be used in any page layout program. Upon successful completion of this course, students demonstrate an introductory level of knowledge in Illustrator and Photoshop software.
DSN1372 Portfolio, Layout and Design II
This course expands the student's working knowledge of design principles in search of design solutions. The student explores the creative tools of illustration, the use of photography, type, colour, texture and dimension using Illustrator and Photoshop. Project topics are varied and geared towards different design disciplines using client objectives, target markets and strategies as a base. Completion of this course teaches the student the importance of design consistency and continuity, promotion and presentation and an understanding of client's needs. The importance of meeting deadlines, creative content and a professional attitude continue to be emphasized
ENL1823G Communications II
This course develops critical elements of workplace communication with emphasis on clear writing techniques. In addition, students give presentations supported by technology and assess their own communication skills.
HIS1500 History of Art and Design
This hybrid course focuses on the work and lives of the masters from the historical to the modern. Through video, discussion and online testing, students will discover how art and design have influenced and continue to influence society, and how these disciplines have come to shape the way in which we see, communicate and interpret our world.
Level 3
ECO0001 Economics and the Global Marketplace
We have all heard the terms, global economy, world markets, trade deficits and free market democracy. We hear them used regularly in newspapers and on the news, and yet their precise meaning is often vague. In this course, we will look at precisely what is meant by terms like the global economy and how it affects our lives and the world in which we live.
ENL1981 Reading and Writing Prose
This course focuses on prose forms, with a specific emphasis on the personal essay. Student writers will read, discuss, and practise writing essays in a variety of styles. They will consider their own writing techniques and processes (including editing, revision and peer feedback), with a view to refining and enhancing their work. Literary form, technique and purpose will also be discussed and applied to specific works of fiction.
PSY1775 Psychology of Growth and Development
Change is inevitable throughout the lifespan. Humans deal with challenges arising from within as well as from the world around them. This course provides tools to enable a person to meet these challenges in a way which is life enhancing. This is a hybrid course.
SSC0051 Evolution of Western Civilization
This course will examine the beginnings, rise, influence and demise of the West's oldest civilizations. Concepts studied will include the various theories addressing why some cultures urbanized while others did not. In addition, the role of religion, science, technology and the various forms of government will be analyzed. Special attention will be placed on the ancient Greeks and Romans and their impact on shaping the world of today.
SSC0061 Methods of inquirí
This course builds on existing skills for conducting research on the Web, in common databases, and in actual and virtual libraries. Advanced skills in research are essential for job choice and for success in further studies. Students will set research objectives, design personal interviews, conduct data reviews, create and administer questionnaires, and perform basic data analysis. The successful student will experience a significant increase in their research skills and knowledge by the completion of this course and be better prepared for the challenges of further academic studies or the world of work.
Elective: MUST choose one
PSY1772 Organizational Psychology
An organization is a group of people working toward a common goal or objective. People are the common denominator in organizations regardless of size or purpose. The study of organizational psychology lets us predict, explain and manage individual and group behaviour in the workplace to achieve organizational objectives. Using an examination of personnel functions such as job analysis, employee selection, performance evaluation and training and development, students will develop an understanding of the theories and key factors influencing employees in the workplace. Students will also look at how to direct employee performance toward organizational objectives through a review of motivation, job satisfaction and stress factors. The effective facilitation of work groups to achieve common objectives will be the focus of an examination of group processes, communication, leadership, power and influence and conflict resolution.
SSC0045 Roots of World Conflict
The media is filled with stories and images of conflict between and within groups, cities, and countries. Understanding events such as war, terrorism, claims of genocide or refugee status can be difficult without knowledge of the issues underlying those events. We will examine the relative contribution of a number of factors, including religion, history, politics, geography, and economics in order to increase students' appreciation of the complex and often forgotten sources of some of these conflicts.
Elective: MUST choose one
ENL0034 Literary Currents
Canadian fiction is often viewed as a literature of place: regional concerns, mores, and limitations frustrate and define us. This course examines the works of contemporary Canadian authors, through a study of novels and short fiction. Students will learn to discover patterns of image, theme and voice.
SSC0025 Fundamentals of Philosophy
The philosopher searches for wisdom and truth examining and justifying beliefs and assumptions about some of the most basic issues relating to human life. These issues include belief in God, the nature of good and evil, how we know what we know, whether or not free will exists, the unity or separation of mind and body, how a person ought to live, and the principles of logical analysis. Students will have the opportunity to begin their own search through this course.
Electives: MUST choose one
PSY0012 Abnormal Psychology
This course is intended to provide an overview of abnormality as applied to human behaviour. Students will be expected to integrate a variety of theories and perspectives, diagnostic models such as the DSM, and experiential reports/case studies in order to achieve an understanding of the disorders themselves, and the individual and social impact of these disorders.
SCI1596 Nutrition
This course will provide an introduction to the Nutritional Sciences from both a historical and modern perspective. Major themes will include the nutritional and functional properties of food, an introduction to the biochemistry of the major components of foods (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and water), the significance of nutrition in terms of individuals and societies throughout the world as well as the role of nutrition and exercise in the control of body composition.
Choose one from equivalencies:
GED0438 General Education Elective
For this course, you will have the opportunity to choose one from a group of general education electives. Your options will include courses which cover the following broad topic areas: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology.
Level 4
SSC1767 The Cultural Mosaic
Students in this course are offered an opportunity to explore the concept of culture, examine the impact of cultural diversity in society and increase their ability to effectively deal with cross-cultural situations. The history of intercultural relations in Canada will be explored while students are provided an opportunity to increase intercultural understanding and competency through reasoned reflection and personal interaction with people from other cultures.